TiO2 oxides for chromogenic devices and dielectric mirrors

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely investigated for its versatile optical properties, in different fields. Typically, it has been used, among chromogenics, as a cathodic electrochromic (EC) material in smart windows. Since the late 1990s, it underwent intensive research activities as a mesoporous photo-electrode within the emerging class of photo-EC devices, aiming at a responsive shielding of solar radiation. Chromogenics are nowadays of great scientific interest since they might offer a relevant contribution for the purpose of limiting energy consumption in the construction sector. On the other hand, TiO2 may act as a transparent n-type conductor in novel architectures of photovoltaic cells, with widespread applications for solar energy utilization, especially toward building integration. Moreover, its high refractive index and transparency in the visible spectrum make it a valuable candidate in the design of efficient distributed Bragg reflectors and for light confinement in optical devices.